Hutchison won’t seek re-election

Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison said Friday he will not seek re-election in 2018 to that post.

He said he believes the office has expanded its scope during his four years there, “in meaningful and substantive ways.”

But Hutchison said he has other commitments.

“I’m blessed with a large and growing family, which is deserving of more of my time and attention, as well as a large and growing law firm,” he said.

Because of that, he said he won’t be running next year. But Hutchison left the door open to further public service saying he will announce his future plans in the near future.

Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson, who has been rumored considering the lieutenant governor’s race, praised Hutchison saying, “You would be hard pressed to find a more energetic, substantive and thoughtful public servant than Mark Hutchison.”

Roberson hasn’t yet announced any definite plans to run for that or any other office. His second term in the state Senate ends next year and, if he chooses, is eligible for one more term in that body.